Being With the Emergence of Transgendered Identity. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blake, Vicky
• Is Part Of: Transactional analysis journal. Volume 47:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: gender -- confusion -- identity -- sexuality -- transgender -- feminism -- psychoanalysis -- transactional analysis -- Jung -- feminine -- masculine; Transactional analysis -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy, Group -- Periodicals; Analyse transactionnelle -- Périodiques; 616.89145
• DOI: 10.1177/0362153717717985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-1537

Abstract

The author discusses perspectives on gender formation or diagnosis focusing on ideas from transactional analysis, post-Jungian thinking, and aspects of psychoanalysis to illustrate approaches to working with the emergence of gender. The development of gender is contrasted with viewing it as a biological given. The therapist's role and the aim of therapy with people who identify with a gender that differs from their assigned gender (gender dysphoria) is considered. A case study illustrates dynamics in this work that can be confusing and confrontative for both client and therapist. In the struggle to provide a solid holding frame, the author suggests that gender diagnosis benefits from supporting clients' development toward living comfortably and safely in their bodies.